PLANT CITY LODGE HOLDS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR FOSTER HOME.
Every year, Plant City Elks 1727 throws a Christmas Party for Everyday Blessings—a children’s group foster home. The recent installment took place on December 18 at the Elks Lodge. Lady Elks made dinner for the children and some of the Everyday Blessings staff. Then Santa and some of his elves handed out presents to the kids.
“We do this every year for Everyday Blessings,” Bette Guarino said. “They are a foster home for children, so we all adopt a child and give them gifts. They are children that wouldn’t otherwise get gifts because they are no longer with their parents.”
“I have been helping out as an elf for five years,” Caris Schneider, whose mother and grandparents are Elks, said. “It is truly one of the best nights of the year because you get to see all of these kids’ faces light up. And they are not just happy for themselves, they are happy for everybody that they live with. They all scream and shout and clap when other kids’ names are announced. It is really the best thing to watch.”
Since 1868, the Elks have taken care of children, and helped meet the needs of veterans in their communities. The organization’s motto is “Elks Care. Elks Share.” The Plant City Elks Lodge boasts 300 members.
“This is my second year being a lady of the Elks,” Linda Read said. “One of the best things we have all year is giving to children, and being with the children—watching the delight, and the fun times they are having.”
For over 25 years, Everyday Blessings, Inc. has been dedicated to serving children and families in foster care. The non-profit offers residential group-care and services for children, ranging from newborns to 17-year-olds, as they await permanent placement. The children in the program come from diverse economic backgrounds and ethnic groups, having been removed from their previous homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
“We enjoy doing this every year to support Everyday Blessings with a grant from the National Elks,” Robert Norton commented. “We really enjoy all of the kids coming in here sharing their Christmas with us, and we like to share our Christmas with them.”
Everyday Blessings’ mission is to provide high-quality care for children and young adults. It was founded with a vision to keep siblings together while in foster care. The organization partners with supporting community agencies, local organizations, and private donors. Their work is done while treating each child with love, dignity, and respect. As a 501(c)3 organization, all the support the organization receives directly benefits the children in their care. Everyday Blessings also conducts a Springboard Program in Sarasota County that supports young adults from 18 to 22 as they transition out of foster care.
“This Christmas party meant so much to us, not only because it was an opportunity to come together to support the children we serve at Everyday Blessings, but also because it’s a reminder of what the season is truly about—spreading love, joy, and hope, especially to those who need it most,” Kayla Nevadomski, Everyday Blessings Development Coordinator commented. “It’s moments like this that show the power of unity and generosity. We’re so grateful for the Elks participation in making this holiday season and Christmas so special for our children. The Elks continue to go above and beyond for our organization, and we’re constantly blessed by their efforts.”
“I love doing this every year,” John (Santa) Guarino said. “It is great to see the kids’ smiles. They have a rough life, and giving something back to them—it means everything.”
